MEPX
Chapter 9 of 10All chapters
  1. 1What food is made of
  2. 2Energy balance
  3. 3What is broadly agreed
  4. 4Why the science is hard
  5. 5Common myths
  6. 6Reading labels
  7. 7Diets
  8. 8Supplements
  9. 9Water, salt and alcohol
  10. 10Practical and honest

Chapter 9 of 10

Water, salt and alcohol

The other inputs.

Hydration

Thirst is a reasonable guide for most people, and fluid comes from food and all drinks including tea and coffee. The eight glasses rule has no clear scientific origin.

  • Dark urine is a rough indicator of low fluid.
  • Excessive water intake is possible and dangerous, though rare.

Salt and alcohol

Most intake of salt comes from processed food rather than the salt cellar. For alcohol, current guidance in most countries has moved towards lower limits, and no level is described as beneficial.